Hospitality industry still in need of support
LOCAL EATERIES TO HOST EVENTS, THEMED NIGHTS, LIVE MUSIC, TO CELEBRATE THE RETURN OF DINING OUT
THE hospitality industry was hit hard by COVID-19 but the cheery greetings and smiles on diners’ faces as they sit down to a meal at a restaurant shows how much eating out has been missed.
Restaurants and cafes had to close doors to diners and convert to a takeaway only business model for many months last year.
Mavs Greek Restaurant in Geelong was one of many local eateries that had to adapt to the new way of operating.
Owner and head chef Milton Mavromoustakos said there was support to survive but it was great to open the doors back up to loyal customers late last year.
“We appreciate the customers coming back, we are getting a lot of support,” Mr Mavromoustakos said.
“Since we reopened in September it was very busy and got even busier when Melbourne opened up.
“As soon as Melbourne opened we were getting a lot of phone bookings from people in Melbourne.”
While full capacity at venues is still restricted and density rules apply, Mr Mavromoustakos said it was heartwarming to see smiling faces back in the family restaurant he runs with wife Julia and son Alex.
“It’s good to see people coming back and knowing us by name and us knowing them by name as well,” he said. “The love we give to make our food is the same love that we welcome people with, it’s a very true love.”
Mr Mavromoustakos said theme nights and events had been put on hold until they were allowed full capacity again, but they do have some ideas in the pipeline including a comedy night, live music and Greekthemed
evenings including tapas nights.
He encouraged diners to support more than one business in the Geelong region.
“Come out and eat and drink and
share the love around,” he said.
“Locals are very supportive, it is great to see them out supporting all businesses.”
With many office workers also heading back to the office in the
Geelong CBD, Mr Mavromoustakos encouraged them to support the cafes and restaurants nearby by eating out for lunch, or getting takeaway, or by even going for drinks and dinner after work.